Seat, Ennerdale, Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite subsection
Looking down on Seat from High Crag
Seat, Ennerdale - High Stile Ridge on the Coast to Coast
Seat is an often-overlooked fell on the High Stile Ridge, standing in the shadow of towering High Crag (744 m). At 561 m, it is only slightly lower than nearby Haystacks (597 m), yet sees far fewer visitors. Its modest height belies its importance: the fell forms a key link on the Coast to Coast route between Ennerdale and Buttermere.
The once-treacherous ascent from Ennerdale up Seat has been greatly improved in recent years. Stone-pitched steps now lead up its steep eastern flank, replacing the loose, slippery surface that once deterred less experienced walkers. A similar upgrade has been carried out on the scree slope of Gamlin End, making the whole High Stile Ridge more accessible.
From Seat’s summit, the path descends to Scarth Gap, a well-trodden pass between Buttermere and Ennerdale. Here, hikers can choose between pressing on along the ridge or diverting toward Haystacks and Black Sail. The views from Seat are anything but secondary — on a clear day, its perch offers sweeping sightlines over Ennerdale Water, the Buttermere valley, and the surrounding high fells.
Seat & Haystacks
Seat sits at the base of Gamlin End, with Haystacks beyond Scarth Gap. Once steep and daunting, both approaches are now stone-pitched, making the climb far more manageable. From Seat, Scarth Gap leads south-east to rejoin the Coast to Coast at Black Sail.
Haystacks, Seat, High Crag
From Buttermere’s shore, the High Stile Ridge rises across the water — High Crag dominating, Haystacks to the east, and Seat tucked between. Scarth Gap, unseen here, crosses at 445 m between the two.
Scarth Gap Ascent from Buttermere
From Buttermere, Scarth Gap can be traced as it curves around High Crag and climbs the eastern flank of Seat, topping out at the col between Seat and Haystacks.
Haystacks to High Crag & High Stile
From the north-east, High Stile dominates as the tallest peak on the ridge, followed by High Crag in the centre. Its eastern face, Gamlin End, is a sheer wall — yet it carries the Coast to Coast route in a steep, stone-pitched descent. South-west of High Crag lie the humbler forms of Seat and Haystacks, their summits linked by the Scarth Gap pass. In the foreground, the grassy lip of Grey Knotts frames the panorama.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.
